Pair arraigned for child pornography

Two individuals — including a member of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission — were arraigned on chid pornography charges before Judge Elizabeth Church in the 91st District Court on Monday.

Commissioner Jeffery H. Stefanski, 45, of the Sault turned himself in to Chippewa County Sheriff Deputies shortly before his arraignment on five felony counts for child sexually abusive material — possession, and a sixth for furnishing alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor. If convicted on possession charges, Stefanski faces up to four years in prison for each count.

Attorney Mark Dobias requested his client be released on personal recognizance, noting that bond is required to insure the person shows up. Noting that Stefanski had strong ties to the community and had been aware of this investigation for more than 6 months, Dobias argued he was not a flight risk.

Assistant Prosecutor Jim Robinson countered there should be a cash bond posted and suggested other stipulations such as tether, no cell phones or Internet access.

Considering both arguments, Judge Church set bond at $20,000 — requiring Stefanski to post 10 percent. While Stefanski will be allowed to have his cell phone for employment purposes, he is prohibited from having Internet access, must abstain from alcohol, cannot leave Chippewa County and is subject to having his electronic equipment searched at any time.

He was released after posting the required bond later on Monday.

Jason R. Bumstead, 25, of Jackson was also arraigned on six felony counts of child sexually abusive material- production on Monday. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison in addition to a $100,000 fine.

Judge Church set bond at $20,000 for Bumstead and added a number of stipulations including no Internet access, no alcohol and a tether in the event he is able to post bond. Bumstead remained lodged in the Chippewa County Jail early today.

Chippewa County Sheriff Robert Savoie explained it was just a coincidence that the two men appeared in court on the same day as their cases were in no way connected.

Bumstead’s arrest came after deputies discovered the existence of images involving an underaged girl allegedly captured during a party in Chippewa County, according to Savoie.

Stefanski’s arrest stems from an investigation that was prompted in December following up on reports of questionable material found on a computer. Armed with a search warrant, deputies visited Stefanski’s Kimball Street residence and a cabin on 13 Mile Road in January, seizing various electronic devices which were subsequently turned over to the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Computer Team.

“We used them instead of the state (police) because their turn around time is much faster,” said Savoie.

The computer specialist were able to retrieve some deleted images that appear to involve underaged individuals.

Page 2 of 2 - Savoie indicated that some of the material appears to be professionally done, while others seem to be home made.

“No local victims have been identified,” said Savoie.

Bumstead’s preliminary examination has been set for 10 a.m. on Aug. 11. Stefanski’s was tentatively set for 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 11, but that may be pushed back at the request of Dobias who indicated it may require more time for the evidence to be examined by a third-party computer forensic expert.